Statement

Marking 100 days since the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today released the following statement joining Maryland leaders in their call for immediate action on common-sense gun safety measures:

"Yesterday marked 100 days since the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and I remain deeply saddened by that senseless tragedy. We continue to keep the families of those who perished in our thoughts and prayers.

"Along with the lingering grief for the horrific loss of 26 innocent lives, a deep desire still burns across our nation to put an end to the epidemic of gun violence that has plagued our society for too long. I have been inspired by the grassroots activism I've seen here in Maryland and across the country. I am grateful to all who choose to stand up for real change.

"I have long supported enactment of sensible gun laws and other policies that prevent gun violence, including efforts to reinstate the federal assault weapons ban, vigorous enforcement of background checks to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, and reasonable limits on high capacity ammunition clips. I am working with President Obama and my colleagues in Congress to build support for common sense gun safety laws -- but we need your help. Let's keep fighting for what we know is right.

"We cannot afford inaction. We cannot risk another Newtown. In fact, some 3,000 lives have been lost to gun violence since Newtown. I want to echo the President's call to action yesterday. He said: "The entire country pledged that we would do something about it and this time it would be different. Shame on us if we've forgotten. I haven't forgotten those kids. Shame on us if we've forgotten."